Contra Costa County's New Superintendent of Schools Sworn Into Office

On a bright, shiny, and slightly chilly morning, more than 300 attendees witnessed former Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) Deputy Superintendent Karen Sakata be sworn in as the county’s new superintendent of schools. She is the county’s first female superintendent schools, as well as the position’s first Asian American.

The program’s opening awed the crowd with Los Medanos College’s student Justin Everhart singing a spectacular acapella version of the National Anthem.

This was followed by Sakata’s introduction and remarks made by Joseph A. Ovick, Ed.D. Dr. Ovick, who officially retired his 18-year service as the county’s superintendent of schools on this day, told the crowd: “With her wealth of experience and great reputation here in Contra Costa County, we are very excited about Karen taking over as the new superintendent. Karen is a proven, dynamic leader who is passionate about life-long learning. She has tremendous knowledge in all aspects of school leadership, and our students, educators, and administrators will certainly benefit from her guidance.”

Following his speech, it was Dr. Ovick’s final duty to introduce and swear in his elected successor.

After being sworn in, Sakata told the crowd, “Our agency has an amazing reputation in Contra Costa County and beyond, thanks largely to Dr. Ovick’s leadership during the past 18 years. “What I want for students in our county is what I always wanted for my own children - to be ready for college and work, to follow their passions, and to be good citizens.”

The exciting morning also included words of grateful thanks to Dr. Ovick and overwhelming confidence in Sakata, made by the county’s Board of Education Vice President Pam Mirabella.

In addition, the audience heard a moving poem written and read by Kathy Moore, curriculum coordinator, San Ramon Valley Unified School District and poet laureate for the City of San Ramon.

Sakata literally finished the ceremony with a bang (numerous bangs, actually), as she joined her fellow drummers with the Diablo Taiko Club, to perform two exciting rhythmic pieces.

Sakata, who was elected as the Contra Costa County superintendent of schools in the past June 2014 election, had been the CCCOE’s deputy superintendent. While serving in this position, Sakata also directed the agency’s Human Resources department.

Before transferring to Human Resources, Sakata was the CCCOE’s associate superintendent, student programs and services, from July 2008 to July 2010. Prior to joining the CCCOE, she spent 14 years as principal of Ayers Elementary School in Concord (Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Earlier in her professional career, Sakata worked primarily as a special education program specialist, special education teacher, and administrator in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Her teaching positions include special education teacher, speech and language pathologist, resource specialist, and an early childhood specialist.

Sakata holds an M.A. in speech pathology from San Jose State University and a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, at Berkeley. In addition, she has earned a number of education-related certifications, credentials, and licenses. She and her family reside in Danville.

Information submitted by Contra Costa County Office of Education

Photo credit: Diane Morrell, CCCOE.